Mansion Sports – Zinedine Zidane has only ever managed one club in his coaching career, Real Madrid, across two separate spells. 

Yet, after four years away from the dugout, the French legend now appears closer than ever to making a return to management.

Zidane’s path into coaching began with Real Madrid Castilla before he served as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti. 

Soon after, he was promoted to head coach of Los Blancos. His first tenure ended in 2018, having delivered three consecutive Champions League trophies and one La Liga title.

He returned in 2019 to guide Madrid through a turbulent season, securing another La Liga crown in 2020. 

However, in 2021, Zidane shocked the football world by stepping down through an open letter addressed to the club and its supporters. Since then, he has remained absent from coaching.

Temptations from Europe’s Elite Clubs

Zidane has never been short of admirers. Elite clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and former side Juventus reportedly made attempts to lure him back into management, though he turned down each approach.

PSG, in particular, considered him a key figure to persuade Kylian Mbappé to remain in Paris, despite the rivalry with Zidane’s boyhood club, Olympique Marseille.

Even staggering offers from the Middle East came his way, including a contract worth €100 million, which he ultimately declined.

Zidane and the French National Team

Since leaving Real Madrid, Zidane has been consistently linked with the French national team job. 

Kylian Mbappé has openly expressed his admiration for Zidane, calling it a tremendous honor to one day be coached by his childhood idol.

For that reason, the decision to extend Didier Deschamps’ contract for two years after France’s Euro 2024 semifinal defeat to Spain came as a surprise to many.

Now, however, Mbappé’s wish—and that of several French players—appears closer to reality. According to a report by L’Équipe, cited by Marca, Zidane jokingly told former France teammates at a reunion that he would take over as head coach in 2026, following the World Cup. 

Interestingly, Deschamps, though part of the same generation, was absent from the gathering.

French media suggest that Zidane is well aware of the growing speculation and the desire among Les Bleus’ squad to play under his leadership. 

Reports also claim he has begun preparing himself for the role, having received strong signals that he will be chosen to succeed Deschamps once his contract ends.